Rediffmail Money rediffGURUS BusinessEmail

Why Zohran Mamdani Never Takes Off His Rings

November 07, 2025 13:21 IST
By REDIFF GET AHEAD
2 Minutes Read

New York's mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's incredible win has set the political pot frothing.

He's the first Indian American, the first Ugandan American, the first Muslim and the first millennial to occupy this pose.

Unlike most male politicians who avoid accessories, Zohran stands out with his three silver rings -- two on the right hand, one on the left.

Photograph: Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

Speaking to The New York Times, he said his jewellery habit began in 2013 after his grandfather passed away. For him, wearing rings became a quiet way to stay connected to that memory.

Photograph: Jeenah Moon/Reuters

The piece that grabs the most attention sits on his right index finger, an heirloom his paternal grandfather picked up during a 2007 trip to Syria.

Next to it is another silver ring, a sweet find that his wife, Rama Duwaji, bought during a holiday in Tunisia.

Photograph: Kylie Cooper/Reuters

On his left hand, he keeps things minimal with his wedding band which he began wearing after their marriage earlier this year.

Photograph: Jeenah Moon/Reuters

He once had a fourth ring, a pinkie design created by Rama, which he says symbolised their love.

He wanted to get it resized because it began cutting into his finger. Before that could happen, though, the ring slipped into a drain and vanished.

Zohran told NYT that they now 'mourn that ring'. He only takes off the other three rings when he goes to bed.

REDIFF GET AHEAD / Rediff.com

More News Coverage

Zohran Mamdani

RELATED STORIES

WEB STORIES

International Museum Day: 11 Wonderful Indian Museums

Strawberry Honey Dessert: 5-Min Recipe

Recipe: Chicken With Olives And Lemon

VIDEOS

NewsBusinessMoviesSportsCricketGet AheadDiscussionLabsMyPageVideosCompany Email